Dietetic Assistant Practitioner

at  Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Knowledge To have an understanding of macro/ micro nutrients and food groups, for example, carbohydrates, proteins. To have an understanding of the principles of nutrition support in dietetics Clinical To undertaking specific tasks as directed by the supervising dietitian working within the BDA Professional Code of Conduct for dietetic assistants. To review and modify dietetic care plans carefully under current guidelines and refer issues outside of capability to the dietitian. To carry out anthropometrics for example, hand grip strength, mid-upper arm circumference.
To estimate the amount of nutritional intake from a diet history and/or food record chart. To record and report weight, height, body mass index, percentage weight loss to inform dietetic intervention To record biochemistry if instructed by the dietitian To practice within food safety and hygiene guidelines. To carry out dietary analysis on behalf of dietitian using computer software. To identify patients food choices/ preferences and liaise with catering/ ward staff to meet patient requirements To carry out taste test trials of oral nutritional supplements with patients to establish preferences Communication To communicate with patients to gain consent prior to obtaining dietetic and medical information.
To communicate with nursing staff to check food record charts are being completed for patients referred to the dietitian To communicate with catering, housekeeping, nursing and medical staff to provide information relating to personal and cultural food preferences of patients. To communicate to the multidisciplinary team face-to-face and via medical notes/ other clinical noting paper /IT systems Stock Control To maintain stock level of diet sheets for department and order in a timely way from XEROX printing department. To order feeds, supplements and giving sets from the enteral feed company in a timely manner. To maintain a stock of enteral feeding pumps across Trust sites and organise their delivery to wards prior to patients being discharged home.
To maintain stock of nutritional samples for use in out-patient clinic and rotate supplements so that they are in correct date order. Training & Education To update health care professionals on new dietary products, e.g. trial of new sip feeds. To help dietitians with displays for national events such as Trust a Dietitian and Nutrition and Hydration week To help dietitians with training events within the Trust or carry out training events under the guidance of a dietitian To be involved in training dietetic A,B,C placement students Administration To register patients with the home enteral feeding company, complete registration forms and amend dietary information as instructed by a dietitian.
To answer the department telephone and take messages off the telephone and deal with simple enquires. To assist in creating and sending out templated letters under the direction of the dietitian To send relevant dietetic information to patients and GPs as directed by the dietitian. To obtain or update manufacturers information as requested by a dietitian. To undertake other administrative dueties to ensure the effective running of the dietetic department General Activities To follow trust policies and guidelines To plan and prioritise clinical and administrative workload on a day-to-day basis under the guidance of a dietitian.
To help co-ordinate dietetic assistant duties along with other dietetic assistants. To attend dietetic departmental meetings and contribute. To assist with data collection under the supervision of the dietitians. To attend relevant internal and external professional and clinical training linked to dietetic assistant practioner role identified in personal development reviews.
To maintain strict confidentiality of patient information in accordance with Clinical Governance guidelines. To participate in the Trusts annual programme of Personal Development Review (PDR), identify own training needs and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. To have an understanding and comply with the Trusts framework of Policies and Procedures. To accurately record statistics on patient activity in compliance with Trust and Departmental requirements.
To provide cover for administrative colleagues/ dietetic assistant practitioners during periods of leave. To promote and maintain health and safety in the work place. To keep mandatory training updated. To complete relevant dietetics records and medical notes in accordance with professional departmental guidelines on record keeping.
To be able to commute between Trust sites by having access to transportation as required. To be able to spend periods of time walking to and from wards and between departments on site To be able to cope with potentially distressing work situations, for example, working with people who are end of life, have a chronic disease, or are upset and distressed

Please refer the Job description for details